Give Back and Take Life Out of the Box

Inspired by a trip to Nicaragua, Quinn Vandenberg and Jonathon Button founded Life Out of the Box to help underfunded communities around the world. Vandenberg and Button were alarmed by the state of Nicaragua’s schools and the lack of resources available to non-profits in the region.

Working with local artisans, the couple started Life Out of the Box in a tiny, $4 hostel to raise money for the region, selling handmade bracelets online to fund school supplies. Each bracelet is one-of-a-kind with an individualized number stamped on the leather LOOTB tag. The site also has a number of other products available, from beanies to keychains to handmade ties.

In addition to school supplies, LOOTB also raises money for nutritional packets and meals. Each of the individual numbers mentioned earlier correspond with a child, allowing people to see the impact of their contribution. Donations are documented with non-profit partnerships, making a direct connection from the purchase to the community.

LOOTB has expanded to Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, Kenya and Belize, in addition to collaborate with giving partners like Mayan Families, The San Juan del Sur Biblioteca Movil, The Barrio Planta Project and The Peace Project.